FHRNC resident Vivian Draper waters the plants in the wheelchair accessible garden.
Residents enjoy the chance to get some sunshine and help tend the flora.

FauquierHealth Rehabilitation &amp; Nursing Center in Warrenton, VA, has been granted a three-year accreditation in both Inpatient Rehabilitation and Person-Centered Long Term Care, by CARF, the international accrediting body (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities). FHRNC is the only skilled nursing facility in Virginia with an Inpatient Rehabilitation accreditation. FHRNC is one of only two facilities in the nation holding both accreditations. The recognition is actually a reaccreditation; FHRNC has been accredited continuously since 2008.

A team of three surveyors spent several days at FHRNC in March, completing a comprehensive survey on patient care and medical outcomes. Dr. Julie Ross, director of Inpatient Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, said that the visitors were especially impressed with two aspects of patient care at FHRNC: communication and quality.

“The surveyors were amazed at how many recreational and educational choices we provide for residents – everything from Bingo (always popular) to classes, to special events, like a Senior Prom or a Pet Expo. We have big boards in several different areas that make it easy for residents to see what options are available and when.”

Communication extends to patients’ families as well. Family members are welcome anytime, and are encouraged to talk to staff members about concerns or specific needs their loved ones may have. The CARF survey talked with all the stakeholders at FHRNC and found that communication among them – patients, family, staff – was excellent.

Dr. Ross said, “To earn the patient-centered care accreditation, the surveyors want to be sure that the long-term care facility is seen – by staff and residents alike – as the residents’ home. A lot of emphasis is placed on dignity. At FHRNC, residents have the same freedoms they would have in their own homes. They can wake up, eat, sleep and participate in activities when they like. We don’t impose our schedules on them.”

Communication intersects with quality when it comes to patient care. Dedicated to preventing problems like medication interactions, falls and pressure ulcers that can be common in long-term care facilities, Dr. Ross said that the facility uses patient care quality metrics on a daily basis to drive the best care.

On the short-term rehabilitation end, the staff focuses on good communication to make sure patients are healing as quickly as they are able. Dr. Ross said, “We place a strong emphasis on providing a plan of care, right from the beginning of a patient’s time with us. We work to make sure that the discharge information and transition to home care is as complete as possible. We want to make sure that when the person is ready to leave our care, that they have the means to continue improving at home. That’s our commitment to our patients – get better, and get home.”

Dr. Ross notes that the CARF survey is voluntary and is above and beyond already stringent state and federal regulations. “Applying for the CARF accreditation helps to us to maintain the highest standards. We want to be sure we are performing at a superior level. ”

She added, “Our dedicated staff deserves special kudos for all the work they do every day to ensure our commitment to quality and improvement is clear, not only to surveyors, but to our residents, patients, their families, and this community.”